What is the view from your perspective?
When I heard this famous quote by Henry David Thoreau, it resonated strongly. It is not what you look at that matters, it is what you see. In this era of snap judgments, harsh criticism and political polarization, personal worldviews strongly shape our opinions and, subsequently, our lives.
We can all be a bit anxious in novel situations, and look, bad things can happen whether you are anticipating or oblivious. So, why waste time being stressed? Pushing through new circumstances, knowing the fruits of labor will be on the other side, is where the roses are. Time will continue to deal its swift blows and you will be occasionally dismayed, but you must keep getting up to face another day. Perspective, however, will be key.
1. Accepting the past and pushing through to the future
Learning to accept oneself, stop ruminating the past and blaming others is the key to forging forward and learning with positivity. No single other human on the planet is responsible for your happiness but you. Life, and all the sticky stuff that comes with it, is yours for the taking. No growth will happen from a place of standing still. It only perpetuates a vortex of instability, fear and complacency.
2. Persistence is key. Never give up
Turns out this translates well to a strong business mentality also. Starting a business is a difficult thing to do, and exposes one to a lot of uncomfortable moments. But as time passes, the prevailing thinking should not be what if I fail, but rather, what do I have to lose? This is the one life you have. It is better to know the perspective of giving 100 percent to something meaningful than never trying at all.
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; There is nothing more common than talented but unsuccessful men. Wisdom will not; wisdom without reward is almost as conventional as a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated bums. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. “ – Calvin Coolidge
With persistence, each failure provides another opportunity to learn, become resilient, and overcome challenges. Thus, persistency is its own reward, and where our true growth lies.
3. Clarify your situation by focusing on your perspective
Truly knowing yourself and living authentically for the first time ever is purely liberating. But what does it take, exactly? What is the difference? Is it an attitude shift or an actual evolution of values? Almost mirroring the statistics of marriages and personal relationships, 20% of all businesses fail within the first two years, 50% within the first five.
“Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight” – Japanese Proverb
Personally, I have no plans to be part of any of those statistical averages. My rose-colored glasses are off, for good, and I see my world for what it is: incomplete, a work in progress, and oh so beautiful in its imperfections. The difference is not to see every setback as a disaster with the power to change your entire course. Distancing yourself from your narrow view, taking a deep breath, and yes, standing back up again are always and always will be the answer. Anything less is a disservice to yourself and what you love, including your livelihood.
4. The foregone conclusion – We cannot go it alone.
“No one person can do everything. Teaming up is a fundamental step in achieving your dreams. It can make the difference between languishing in inaction and achieving incredible success.” – Alder Mills
It turns out we can apply many of the same principles to our personal relationships as well as our business ones. Truth be told, it has a lot to do with not giving up when the going gets tough, and seeking out partners who are ambassadors for our success.
Laura Milo DeAngelis | Owner and Founder | Bergen Concierge Service LLC
www.bergen-concierge.com • 201-303-7301 • bergenconcierge@gmail.com
